Chapter 544: The Stubborn Donkey of Loyalty and Integrity

Though there were theoretically several days of holiday after the New Year’s ceremony, with Zhu Di solely focused on leading a northern campaign to subdue the Mongols, the civil and military officials had no time for rest. Led by Duke Zhang Fu, the nobles and ministers held repeated meetings to discuss everything from selecting troops and conscripting laborers, donkeys, horses, and vehicles to various other matters that consumed nearly two-thirds of the court’s resources. Even Wan Shijie, who could have taken time to visit the Du family for a meal, had to stick to his role as a minor official. Peng Shisan, who returned to pay New Year’s greetings, also met the emperor for the first time under Zhang Fu’s guidance, as he had stayed in Xinghe.

Zhu Di, who appreciated brave warriors, was generous with rewards. Yet Peng Shisan cared little about becoming a formal official, and the emperor, seeing his worth, bestowed upon him many gifts. Back at home, Zhang Fu was furious at Peng Shisan’s stubbornness. Entering his study, he rebuked him harshly, “You four were trained in Jiaozhi. Three of them are now full-fledged thousand-household officers, living stable lives in the army. Why are you so stubborn?”

“Sir, my martial skills were honed alongside yours, and my abilities were forged through battles fought with you. I never valued stability. Don’t just talk about the advantages of serving in the army. Since the founding of the dynasty by the Great Emperor, there have been more and more hereditary officers. Though those three can hold their positions thanks to their noble origins, what about future generations? Besides, it’s one thing if your former subordinates occupy high positions, but if even household slaves are given official ranks despite the rules—since the emperor doesn’t mind, who will in the future? The saying ‘brave warriors need not consider their origins’ is just that—a saying. If I want to leave official service, I’ll wait until I’ve served you for a hundred years, and then you can simply have that contract torn up.”

“You… You claim to have trained a stubborn ox, but I think you’re the real stubborn donkey!”

Zhang Fu was furious, but deep down, he was suddenly alert. He had been made a duke after his first campaign in Jiaozhi, and then again after subsequent campaigns. No matter how great his achievements, further rewards were hard to come by. Back then, his subordinates were recruited from the south and north, and it was understandable that they now held high positions. But household slaves were different. Peng Shisan understood this, and just for that mindset, he was unmatched—Zhang Fu couldn’t help but be moved.

So, seeing Peng Shisan just laughing heartily, he sighed and said, “Enough. I give up—there’s no way to deal with you, this stubborn donkey of loyalty and righteousness! When you return to Xuanfu, tell Zhang Yue not to linger in the pleasures of life but to work hard on strengthening his body. By then, he will surely follow the imperial entourage—that kid!”
Having heard some hints during the audience with the emperor and now hearing Zhang Fu say this as well, Peng Shisan’s face lit up with joy. He quickly asked, “Sir, have you obtained definite news? If he achieves even a small amount of merit this time by accompanying the entourage, his rank should be able to rise a bit, right? After all these attempts, even if there’s no merit, there’s still hard work. If calculated carefully, a title might not even be excessive!”
“You see things clearly for yourself, but you can’t see through things above!” After scolding him jokingly, Zhang Fu dusted off his robe and sat down in the grand chair, then said seriously, “You taught him martial arts and accompanied him for so many years—I know the bond between you is special. But he’s still young and a civil official; there’s plenty of time for promotions. Officials above the fifth rank in the capital have no actual positions, while those in the provinces can be appointed as prefects or governors, but if they’re sent to the provinces at such a time, they can no longer get involved in affairs in the capital! As for titles… titles are either used to lead troops or to support one in old age!”
Peng Shisan had also heard Zhang Fu talk about the three previous court meetings after returning, and now he suddenly understood. He stepped forward and stood beside Zhang Fu, saying, “That’s why you pretended to be mute during those meetings of nobles—so that’s how it is.”
“If I wanted him to pursue a military career, I would have found a way back then. Why wait until now? A commander of the capital guards is nothing more than in charge of five thousand soldiers. Does our Zhang family lack such a commander? Although the second and third sons seem dull, thanks to the family’s influence, they will surely enter the Five Army Commanders’ Office in the future. Plus, there’s the Yangwu Marquis in our family, along with brothers Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi… In short, our Zhang family doesn’t lack nobles; what it lacks are real civil officials.”

After a pause, Zhang Fu shed his stern expression and said, “Go back and tell him that his little tricks have worked. News has come from Danning—the Wulangha Doyan Sanwei heard that the Tatar tribes were unstable, which led to conflicts among their chiefs. Many of them now believe it’s better not to get entangled with Arutai. As for the Tatar tribes themselves, including Kulun, Chifeng, Naiman, Kailu… no matter which one Arutai suspects, it’s an excellent opportunity. By then, with a large army pressing in, Arutai will surely collapse without a fight, and he’ll get credit for it again! It’s already past the 15th day of the first lunar month. Get ready and set off tomorrow. Stop by the Yangwu Bo’s residence on the way to see if there’s anything the old lady wants sent along.”

Zhang Fu only instructed him to visit Lady Gu, but Peng Shisan didn’t forget Zhang Yue’s other request. After leaving the Yangwu Bo’s residence, he went to the Du family’s house. Since he had already delivered something there before, everyone recognized him. When he met Du Zhen, this famously stern scholar even invited him for a meal, which made him feel greatly honored. When Du Zhen handed him a stack of manuscripts to deliver, he readily agreed.

He was the only one who came to the capital, and he would be the only one returning. This time, the army was marching in late February, and preparations had already begun. The official roads were crowded with carriages and horses, so he didn’t rush. Traveling by day and resting by night, he arrived in Xuanfu by the 1st day of the first lunar month. Since the northern expedition still followed the old route, the entire city of Xuanfu was in a busy atmosphere, with large amounts of grain gathered there, ready to be sent to Kaiping at any time.

Under such circumstances, when Peng Shisan arrived at the courtyard on Bazhen Street at noon, he naturally found it empty. After asking around, he learned that the commander’s office was holding a meeting, and Zhang Yue had left early in the morning. Zhang Yue had left with his guards and Lian Hu, leaving Lian Sheng at home. While sending someone inside to announce his arrival, Lian Sheng hurriedly prepared tea for him, saying with a smile, “I thought Uncle Peng wouldn’t be returning to the capital this time. But here you are—after enjoying half a month of peace, you still remembered us.”

“Enjoying peace?” Peng Shisan almost spat out his tea before retorting irritably, “I’ve been traveling around with the Duke of Yingguo these past half month, with not even a moment to catch my breath. How can it be like you two brothers, who still get to bring your wives along when traveling? How about we switch roles? You handle the running around, and I’ll take care of the serving, what do you say?”

“That’s great!” Liansheng’s face lit up with joy, only to sink back into depression and say, “But the young master always thinks we two aren’t reliable enough and hasn’t let us take on any important tasks.”
“Silly boy, that’s out of concern for you two!”
Slapping Liansheng’s shoulder firmly, Peng Shisan couldn’t help but recall his own experiences during the Jingnan Campaign in his teens. Who would have thought that Zhang Yu, an old general who had fought on battlefields for decades, would simply say he’d rather die in battle? After comforting Liansheng a bit and seeing that the boy still acted as if nothing had happened, he fetched water to wash his face, putting aside those thoughts and quickly wiping away the dust from his face. After drinking another half cup of tea, there was finally a response—it was Mother Cui who came to summon him.
Although Du Wan wasn’t meeting Peng Shisan for the first time, seeing him in the main house now, hearing the instructions from Zhang Fu and Lady Gu, and receiving the manuscript entrusted to her by her father with thanks, she couldn’t help but take in this somewhat legendary household general. Zhang Yue described him as a good teacher and friend, a warrior among warriors; Lady Wang said he was loyal and brave beyond compare; the four guards who had recently joined Zhang Yue admired his skills; even followers like Liansheng and Lian Hu would give him a thumbs up in admiration whenever they talked about him. No wonder someone as composed as Lingxi also hid in the east room—she must still feel uncertain.
“Master Peng, Zhang Yue has mentioned this to me many times. After losing your wife all these years, haven’t you thought about finding another partner to keep you company?”
Peng Shisan had been sitting upright and proud, but upon hearing Du Wan bring up this topic, he was stunned. Though his appearance was rough, his thoughts were delicate. Realizing that Du Wan wasn’t the type to meddle in others’ affairs, he guessed it might well be Zhang Yue who had pushed this matter. So, he gave a sheepish smile before shaking his head.
“My first wife left me because I followed our lord to fight in Jiaozhi, and later I was often away. She waited for me at home, suffering until she fell ill and passed away. Now I’m constantly on the move with no fixed abode; I don’t want to hold someone back. Our lord and lady have mentioned it several times. Lady Gu even wanted to give Bi Luo to me, but I thought no proper girl would be willing to be a secondary wife. Besides, I’m not as accomplished as my companions, so I refused. Now Bi Luo is married to the son of butler Rong, and they live in harmony. Forced marriages don’t bring happiness. I’m already in my forties—who knows how many more years I have left? Why burden someone else?”

These words not only stunned Du Wan but also moved Amber, who was standing nearby. She and Bi Luo had been friends since childhood, yet she had no idea about this past. She thought to herself that Peng Shisan was indeed generous and magnanimous. After a brief pause, Du Wan immediately smiled.

“So, if someone is truly willing, Master Peng will agree?”

“Truly willing?” Peng Shisan was genuinely surprised now. After pondering for a moment, he said seriously, “Young lady, don’t laugh at me. I still say the same thing—forceful marriages don’t work. A good match requires mutual liking. You know, it’s really rare to find someone who would even consider me. Despite my appearance, if I were to get married, I would still choose someone with good looks and character…”

Before he could finish speaking, a loud voice came from outside, “Well, old Peng, you still have such high standards. Then let me ask you—what do you think if our Lingxi were willing to marry you?”

Du Wan was about to probe further, but Zhang Yue suddenly said that as soon as he entered, leaving her speechless with laughter. Peng Shisan was even more surprised. It wasn’t until Zhang Yue stood in front of him that he stared at him and asked, “Is the young master joking?”

Glancing at Zhang Yue, then at Du Wan and Amber, he finally realized that this family was serious. Unconsciously, his mouth fell open as he deeply regretted his careless words earlier. Recalling his few encounters with Lingxi in the past, he felt even more incredulous. After a brief thought, he laughed heartily and said, “If Miss Lingxi is truly willing to marry such a rough man as me, then I have only one thing to say—I’ll propose once we return to the capital!”